15 Best Christmas Cookie Decorating Ideas

There’s nothing quite like the joy of decorating Christmas cookies to get you into the holiday spirit. I’m Richa, and in this post, I’m sharing some fun and festive Christmas cookie decorating ideas that are perfect for bringing a little extra magic to your holiday baking.

Whether you’re working with classic sugar cookies, spiced gingerbread, or buttery shortbread, decorating is where the creativity comes alive. It’s not just about the frosting and sprinkles—it’s about the laughter, the mess, and the sweet memories made around the kitchen table. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started, these ideas will help you create cookies that are as beautiful as they are delicious.

So gather your favorite cutters, whip up some icing, and let’s make this year’s batch of cookies the most charming (and tasty!) yet—perfect for gifting, sharing, or simply enjoying with a warm cup of cocoa.

Best Christmas Cookie Decorating Ideas

1. Classic Icing and Sprinkles

You can never go wrong with the classics—honestly, it’s like the white subway tile of cookie decorating. There’s something nostalgic and comforting about grabbing red and green sugar sprinkles, royal icing in piping bags, and just going for it. I remember being a kid, squeezing those messy tubes of icing like my life depended on it, then dumping a mountain of sprinkles on top. Not much has changed, to be fair.

Nowadays, I make a simple batch of sugar cookies, pipe borders with stiff royal icing, then flood the inside with thinner icing. And then the fun begins—sprinkles, nonpareils, even crushed candy canes if I’m feeling wild. These are the cookies I leave out on a tray by the front door because they look like Christmas. They don’t need perfection—just charm. Plus, they’re always the first to disappear at parties.

2. Intricate Piping Techniques

For those looking to add more complexity and elegance to their Christmas cookies, intricate piping techniques are the way to go. With royal icing and a steady hand, you can create detailed designs like delicate snowflakes, intricate holly leaves, and swirling vines. Using a fine piping tip, you can add multiple layers of piping to build texture, dimension, and fine detail to each cookie.

Snowflakes can be designed with precise, symmetrical strokes to mimic the natural beauty of winter, while holly leaves can be outlined and then filled in with vibrant green icing, accented by small red piped dots for berries. These designs may require patience and practice, but the result is a set of cookies that look like miniature works of art, perfect for impressing guests or gifting during the holiday season.

3. Edible Glitter and Shimmer Powder

I’m not gonna lie—this one’s for my sparkle era. If you’ve ever wished your cookies could look like ornaments from a glam Christmas tree, edible glitter is your new BFF. I stumbled upon shimmer powder a few years ago while browsing a baking supply shop and now… I’m obsessed.

The key is using a soft, dry brush and just a whisper of powder. Dust it over icing once it’s dry, especially white or pastel colors, and boom—instant magic. Champagne gold is my go-to, but iridescent silver is stunning too. Sometimes I mix it with a touch of lemon extract to paint on details (stars, snowflakes, you name it).

It’s like adding a velvet cushion to a chair—completely unnecessary but completely fabulous. Every time I serve these, someone asks, “Wait, can I actually eat this?” Yep. And it tastes like Christmas glamour.

4. Stained Glass Window Cookies

These are so much easier than they look—and they impress every single time. I first tried stained glass cookies after seeing them on Pinterest, thinking they’d be a total fail. Spoiler: they weren’t. And now they’ve become a yearly tradition.

Basically, you cut shapes in your cookie dough (like stars or trees), then cut a smaller shape out of the center. Crush up some hard candies (Jolly Ranchers work great) and sprinkle them into the hollow center before baking. When they melt, they form a glassy, colorful “window” that hardens as the cookie cools.

I’ve used them as edible ornaments on my tree—just poke a hole in the top before baking and thread a ribbon through. They catch the light beautifully. It’s like making your own little sugar sun-catchers. Kids love them. Adults think you’re a baking wizard. Win-win.

5. Gingerbread Characters

Oh, gingerbread people—these little guys are the cozy flannel shirts of Christmas cookies. Warm, spiced, slightly quirky. I love making a big batch of these with my go-to gingerbread dough (loaded with molasses and cinnamon), then setting up a decorating station for everyone.

It turns into a whole family affair. I do the base icing outlines and let everyone else go wild with faces, buttons, scarves, and sometimes—yep—pets. We’ve made entire gingerbread families with dogs, cats, even a snowman friend.

If you want to go next-level, use royal icing in piping bags with different tips for variety. Tiny dot eyes, zigzag sweaters, and mini bows are my favorite. Oh, and don’t forget cinnamon imperials for buttons. They give such a vintage vibe. These cookies feel personal, and I always end up naming a few. Last year? One was Harold. Don’t ask me why—it just fit.

6. Minimalist Christmas Trees

Some days, I want clean lines and calm vibes—even in my cookie decor. That’s where minimalist trees come in. I use a basic triangle-shaped cookie (or a tree cutter, if I’m feeling fancy), then decorate with sleek, single-color icing and maybe a few carefully placed dots or stars.

I’ve done entire trays in sage green and white, which looked so chic. Think Scandinavian-style holiday décor but edible. A little piping along the edges, a gold dragee as a topper, and done. No chaos, no clutter—just cookies that match my Pinterest board dreams.

Honestly, this is my go-to when I want a stylish dessert that still screams Christmas. They’re perfect on a modern, monochrome dessert table. Plus, they pair beautifully with hot cocoa in black mugs (trust me on that one). Sometimes, less really is more.

7. 3D Layered Cookies

got into 3D cookies last year when I wanted to “wow” my holiday guests—and now I’m kind of addicted. Basically, you stack multiple cookie layers using icing as glue to build little edible sculptures. My first attempt was a Christmas tree made from star-shaped cookies in descending sizes. It leaned a little to the left, but hey, even real trees do that sometimes!

The key is patience (and letting each layer set before adding the next). You can make gift boxes, snowflakes, even tiny gingerbread houses if you’re feeling ambitious. I recommend royal icing for “cementing” the pieces together—it dries hard and holds like a charm.

These are perfect as edible centerpieces or even gifts. Wrap them in a clear bag with a velvet ribbon and they look totally professional. People always ask where I bought them—and I proudly say, “Made it myself!”

8. Peppermint Candy Designs

If you’re peppermint-obsessed like me, these cookies are gonna be your jam. There’s just something so refreshing and cheerful about red-and-white swirls this time of year. I started making peppermint-inspired cookies when I had leftover mini candies and a white icing base that felt a little boring. Instant upgrade!

You can use crushed peppermint to sprinkle on wet icing, or swirl red gel coloring into white icing before piping to mimic the candy pattern. I’ve even baked whole peppermint candies into thumbprint-style cookies—they melt into gorgeous, glossy centers.

Pro tip: a few drops of peppermint extract in your royal icing takes it to the next level. The cookies look festive, smell amazing, and have that little zing that balances out the sweetness. These ones always end up in the “Instagrammable” pile… and also the “eat immediately” pile. Because peppermint + cookie = holiday magic.

9. Snow-Covered Cookie Designs

You know that dreamy, freshly fallen snow look? That’s the vibe here. I love using thick white royal icing to give my cookies a soft, snowy coating—kind of like frosting a sugar cookie in cozy winter vibes. Add some white sanding sugar before it dries and bam, they glisten like real snow.

Sometimes I add tiny white dots for snowfall, or use a microplane to shave white chocolate over everything like a flurry. These cookies feel like they belong in a snow globe. I often pair them with blues and silvers for that classic winter wonderland feel.

Last year, I made snow-covered mittens and snowflakes and served them on a wooden tray with pine branches—it was giving sophisticated cabin in Aspen. They’re elegant but still super inviting. And bonus: they hide any icing imperfections like a charm. Total lifesaver.

10. Plaid or Tartan Patterns

Okay, I’m low-key obsessed with plaid during the holidays. My throw pillows are plaid. My wrapping paper? Plaid. So obviously, I had to try it on cookies. And let me tell you—it’s so satisfying.

You start with a smooth flooded base (I like white or pale beige), then use food color markers or thin piping lines to layer on intersecting stripes. Red and green are classic, but I’ve also done navy and gold for a luxe twist. It takes a steady hand, but the final result is chef’s kiss.

I usually pop on a podcast and get into the zone—it’s like cookie quilting. These look incredible tied up in treat boxes with twine. And if your lines get a little wonky? Call it “rustic charm” and move on. Honestly, plaid cookies are the perfect mix of tradition and trend. They feel timeless and crafty in the best way.

FAQ

1. What type of cookies are best for decorating?

• Sugar cookies, gingerbread, shortbread, and butter cookies are ideal for decorating due to their sturdy texture and smooth surface. These cookies hold up well to icing and other embellishments, making them perfect for intricate designs.

2. Can I use regular frosting instead of royal icing for decorating?

• Yes, you can use regular frosting, but royal icing is recommended for intricate designs, as it hardens to a smooth finish, making it ideal for detailed patterns and piping. Regular frosting tends to stay soft and may not hold intricate designs as well.

3. How do I get a smooth surface on my cookies for decorating?

• For the smoothest surface, allow your cookies to cool completely before decorating. You can use a rolling pin to roll the dough evenly before baking. For icing, thin the royal icing to a flooding consistency for an even coat that will set flat and smooth.

4. How can I make my cookie designs more creative?

• Experiment with different textures and finishes like edible glitter, sprinkles, or coconut shreds for snowy effects. Try layering cookies for a 3D effect or adding designs like plaid patterns or stained glass windows for a creative twist.

5. Can I use store-bought cookie dough for decorating?

• Yes, you can use store-bought cookie dough, especially for busy bakers. However, homemade dough often provides a better texture for decorating, as it’s more sturdy and less likely to spread during baking.

6. How can I make my cookie designs last longer?

• To preserve your decorated cookies, make sure they are fully dried before storing. Store them in an airtight container to keep the icing from getting damaged. If using coconut or other delicate decorations, store the cookies in a cool, dry place.

7. What are some common mistakes to avoid when decorating cookies?

• Some common mistakes include over-saturating the cookies with icing, not allowing enough drying time between layers, and using icing that is too thin or too thick. Make sure to follow the consistency guidelines for your icing and allow each layer to set before moving to the next step.

8. Can I make Christmas cookie decorations ahead of time?

• Yes! Many cookie decorations can be made ahead of time. You can prepare the cookies and store them in airtight containers, or even pre-make and store the icing in piping bags. Just ensure that the decorations are fully set before packaging them.

9. How can I make my cookies more festive?

• Incorporate festive elements like candy canes, edible glitter, peppermint candy pieces, or metallic accents. Using holiday colors such as red, green, gold, and silver can also enhance the festive vibe of your cookies.

10. How can I get kids involved in cookie decorating?

• Kids can help with simpler decorating tasks like sprinkling colored sugar, adding candy decorations, or using a basic piping bag. You can also create fun designs that are easy for them to decorate, such as snowman faces or tree shapes with just a few simple accents.

Best Christmas Cookie Decorating Ideas Christmas Cookie Decorating Ideas

Last modified: July 15, 2025